Hi, I’m Dr. Sutera from Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction in Boston. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like your smile showed too much gum or your teeth looked too long, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.

Our gums play a big role in how we feel about our smile. When the gumline is uneven, receding, or overly visible, it can affect both confidence and oral health. That’s where gum contouring comes in.

Let’s walk through what this procedure really is, how it helps, and why it might be a lot more comfortable and accessible than you think—especially if you deal with dental anxiety.

What Is Gum Contouring and How Does It Work?

Gum contouring is a safe, effective way to reshape your gumline. It can fix a “gummy smile,” treat gum recession, or balance out uneven gum tissue that makes your teeth look different lengths.

There are two main reasons people choose this treatment:

  • Cosmetic: To improve the appearance of their smile

  • Medical: To treat gum issues like inflammation, sensitivity, or infection

Using gentle tools—either a scalpel or a soft-tissue laser—we sculpt the gums to reveal more of the tooth or cover areas where the gums have receded.

We customize the procedure based on your unique smile goals, using digital smile design tools so you can preview the result before we even start.

Gum Contouring Benefits

What Are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?

Whether your concern is a gummy smile or receding gums, gum contouring has benefits that go beyond aesthetics.

Cosmetic benefits:

  • Creates a balanced, even gumline

  • Reduces a “gummy smile” (when more than 3–4 mm of gum shows when you smile)

  • Makes teeth appear longer and more proportionate

  • Boosts confidence in your smile

Health benefits:

  • Helps remove pockets that trap bacteria

  • Makes it easier to brush and floss effectively

  • Reduces sensitivity in receded areas

  • Supports long-term gum and bone health

And here’s something most patients don’t expect: with laser gum contouring, recovery is usually faster and more comfortable than traditional methods.

Is Gum Contouring Painful?

We get this question a lot—especially from patients who’ve been putting off treatment because of fear or anxiety.

Is Gum Contouring Painful

Here’s what you can expect:

  • The area is fully numbed with a gentle local anesthetic

  • Most patients feel pressure, not pain

  • With laser treatment, there’s less bleeding and no stitches

  • Discomfort afterward is typically mild—about a 3 out of 10 on a pain scale

  • We’ll guide you on how to manage swelling with ice, rest, and a soft diet

And if you’re nervous, don’t worry—we offer sedation options to help you relax and feel completely at ease during your visit.

What’s the Recovery Like After Gum Contouring?

Recovery time depends on the method used, but most people heal faster than expected—especially with laser gum sculpting.

Here’s a typical recovery timeline:

  • First 24–48 hours: Minor swelling or tenderness

  • Day 3–5: Healing tissue feels smoother, discomfort fades

  • Full healing: Within 7–10 days for laser, 10–14 days for scalpel methods

We’ll give you personalized aftercare instructions and check in to make sure you’re healing well. You’ll also have direct contact with our team in case you have questions or concerns at home.

Gum Contouring Recovering Timeline

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost—and Is It Covered by Insurance?

Cost depends on the complexity of the case and whether we use laser or traditional tools.

Average price range:

  • Basic laser contouring: $800–$2,000

  • Advanced reshaping or grafts: $2,000–$4,000 per arch

  • Gummy smile surgery + crown lengthening: Up to $5,000+ depending on scope

While purely cosmetic gum contouring isn’t usually covered by insurance, some procedures are partially covered if they’re done for medical reasons—like treating periodontal disease or correcting tissue damage from aggressive brushing.

We also offer:

  • Flexible payment plans

  • HSA/FSA compatibility

  • Financing through CareCredit or Sunbit

What Causes a Gummy Smile or Receding Gums in the First Place?

We’ll help you find the root cause before recommending treatment. Gums are sensitive tissue—and the way they look can be influenced by genetics, habits, or even your jaw’s natural shape.

Common causes of a gummy smile:

  • Altered passive eruption (when gums don’t recede fully after tooth eruption)

  • A hyperactive upper lip that pulls too high when you smile

  • Excess jawbone in the upper arch

Root Causes of Gum Issues

Common causes of gum recession:

  • Aggressive brushing with stiff toothbrushes

  • Gum disease

  • Grinding or clenching (bruxism)

  • Thin gum tissue (common in some genetic profiles)

We’ll tailor your treatment plan based on the cause—not just the symptoms.

What Other Options Are Available for Gummy Smile Correction?

Gum contouring is just one tool in our smile design toolkit. Depending on your needs and comfort level, we might recommend:

Other treatments to consider:

  • Botox to relax overactive upper lip muscles (lasts 3–4 months)

  • Crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth for both function and appearance

  • Lip repositioning surgery for a more permanent fix

  • Gum grafting for areas of recession

  • Pinhole Surgical Technique (minimally invasive alternative to grafting)

We walk through these options in detail at your consult—so you always know what to expect.

Is Gum Contouring Right for Me?

If you’ve ever hidden your smile because of gum issues—or noticed sensitivity along the gumline—this might be the solution you didn’t know existed.

You might be a great candidate for gum contouring if:

  • You show too much gum when you smile

  • Your gums are uneven or asymmetrical

  • Your teeth look small, even after orthodontics

  • You have gum recession that causes sensitivity

  • You want a natural-looking, confident smile

Let’s Design a Smile That Feels Like You

At Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction, we don’t just sculpt gums—we build confidence. Our approach is fully customized, with comfort, beauty, and health at the heart of every treatment we offer.

And if dental fear has kept you from asking about gum contouring before, we hear you—and we’re here to help.

👉 Schedule an appointment today and find out how gum contouring or gummy smile correction can transform your smile and your confidence—without stress or surprises.